ferry Hypatia de Alejandria Balearia
ferry Hypatia de Alejandria
âš“ The Hypatia de Alejandría is one of the largest and most modern passenger and vehicle ferries in the Baleària fleet, and the flagship of its routes between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. Able to carry more than 2,400 passengers and over 600 vehicles, she is one of the highest-capacity ferries the company operates. She works mainly the Barcelona–Ibiza and Valencia–Ibiza routes, though she also covers other links in Baleària's Balearic network from time to time.
She was delivered to Baleària in 2011 after being built at the STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire (France), one of the most respected yards in Europe, particularly for large passenger vessels. She was conceived as a new-generation ferry for the Balearic run, built from the outset with cruise-ship comforts — cabins with sea-facing windows, an à la carte restaurant, a spa — on a scheduled ferry service.
The Hypatia de Alejandría is part of Baleària's series of large ferries alongside the Martín i Soler and the Sicilia, the three highest-capacity vessels in the fleet. Building her marked a step change in what Baleària could offer on its Balearic routes, betting on long-haul comfort rather than speed.
A tribute to the philosophy and science of the ancient world
The ship is named after Hypatia of Alexandria (Alexandria, c. AD 360 – 415), a Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer of late antiquity, regarded as the first woman mathematician in recorded history. She headed the Neoplatonic school of Alexandria and was one of the finest minds of her day, known for her commentaries on the work of Diophantus, Apollonius of Perga and Ptolemy.
She stands for the defence of rational, scientific thought against dogma, and has been reclaimed as a symbol of the part women have played in science and philosophy down the centuries. In naming her, Baleària continues its tradition of honouring the women scientists and thinkers who have shaped history.
History and background of the ship
The Hypatia de Alejandría is a P362 class Ro-Pax ferry built at the Visentini shipyard in Porto Viro (Italy) as yard number 224. Her keel was laid on 21 December 2017, she was launched on 29 March 2018 and delivered on 21 January 2019 directly to Baleària, her owner and operator from day one. She entered service that same year on the Barcelona–Ibiza, Barcelona–Palma, Valencia–Ibiza and Valencia–Palma routes, where she still works today. The ship takes her name from Hypatia of Alexandria, the fourth-century Greek philosopher and mathematician and a leading figure of classical thought.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and vehicle ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 186 m |
| Beam | 26.8 m |
| Draught | 6.4 m |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,416 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~600 cars (equivalent) |
| Freight capacity (linear metres) | ~2,200 linear metres |
| Passenger decks | 8 |
| Cabins | 186 (including outside cabins with a window) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel · 4 Wärtsilä engines |
| Shipyard | STX Saint-Nazaire (France) |
| Year built | 2011 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| IMO number | 9434204 |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | ~36,000 GT |
| OPS system | Yes (shore power connection in port) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Ibiza | ~9 h | ~21:00 (overnight) |
| Ibiza → Barcelona | ~9 h | ~22:00 (overnight) |
| Valencia → Ibiza | ~5 h | ~23:00 |
| Ibiza → Valencia | ~5 h | ~07:00 |
| Ibiza → Mallorca (Palma) | ~2 h 30 min | Depends on the season |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Ibiza: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Hypatia de Alejandría works from the port of Ibiza (Eivissa), only minutes from the city centre. It is one of the best-connected harbours in the Balearics, with direct access from the island's main road and a city bus stop. If you are heading for the north of the island (Sant Antoni, Santa Eulària), you will need onward transport from the port.
Since the Hypatia de Alejandría works mostly overnight crossings, she generally docks first thing in the morning, leaving you a full day at your destination. We recommend arriving at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 60 minutes as a foot passenger.
From Barcelona, the departure point is Moll de Sant Bertomeu (Barcelona Ferry Terminal), well served by metro (L4, Barceloneta station) and bus. From Valencia, boarding is at the port of Valencia, about 15 minutes from the city centre by taxi.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Hypatia de Alejandría starts at roughly €40–60 one way in low season on the Valencia–Ibiza route, and from €60–90 on Barcelona–Ibiza. In July and August prices can top €150 for a seat and €300 for a cabin. We recommend booking as far ahead as you can, especially for summer travel.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a valid certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It is the most significant discount and applies to practically every crossing.
- Large family: 20% (general) or 50% (special) off the ticket price, on production of the official large-family card.
- Carnet Joven youth card: reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability at the time of booking.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Earn points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Reclining seat |
| As a family with small children | Inside cabin |
| Looking for comfort and privacy on an overnight crossing | Outside cabin (with a window) |
| On business, or wanting the very best on board | Suite or Superior cabin |
| With a pet | Seat + pet place in the dedicated area |
| On a short daytime trip (Valencia–Ibiza) | Reclining seat or Club Lounge |
ferry Hypatia de Alejandria · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in a shared area with access to every part of the ship. Ideal for travellers who put price first, or for shorter daytime crossings such as Valencia–Ibiza.
✓ Reclining, with headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Club Lounge · Premium
A restricted-access lounge with more comfortable, more private seats. It includes attentive service and a drinks service. The best choice for daytime trips that call for a bit more peace and quiet without going as far as a cabin.
✓ Exclusive access to the lounge
✓ Wider reclining seats
✓ Table service in the lounge
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
Inside cabin
A private windowless cabin, available with 2 or 4 berths. The ideal choice for families or groups who want to travel overnight in complete privacy without needing a view outside.
✓ Private cabin with its own key
✓ Single berths with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ TV and SmartB WiFi
Outside cabin · With a window
A private cabin with a window or porthole onto the sea, available in double or family configuration. As close to a cruise as a ferry gets: you wake up already at your destination, with natural light and Mediterranean views.
✓ Window or porthole onto the sea
✓ Private cabin with its own key
✓ Beds or berths with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ TV and SmartB WiFi
Suite · The very best
The most exclusive accommodation on the Hypatia de Alejandría. A suite with a sitting area, a double bed and sea views. It includes access to the Club Lounge and priority service. Perfect for couples or travellers who expect the highest level of comfort on their crossing.
✓ Double bed
✓ Sitting area with a sofa
✓ Sea views
✓ Full bathroom with shower
✓ Club Lounge access included
✓ TV, minibar and SmartB WiFi
ferry Hypatia de Alejandria · On-board services
Restaurant, café and food on board
The Hypatia de Alejandría stands out for having one of the widest food offerings of any conventional ferry in the Baleària fleet. On board you will find an à la carte restaurant, a self-service café with hot and cold dishes, a bar and a shop selling snacks and travel goods. It is all geared to overnight crossings, with dinner and breakfast menus.
Outdoor terrace and deck areas
Large as she is, the Hypatia de Alejandría still has open-air deck areas where passengers can enjoy the Mediterranean during the crossing. They are especially worth seeking out as the ship leaves the port of Barcelona, or at dawn on the approach to Ibiza.
Spa and wellness area
The Hypatia de Alejandría is one of the very few scheduled ferries in Spain with a spa on board. The facility includes a sauna and a relaxation area, and is open to all passengers (for an additional charge, subject to availability). A cruise-style experience on a scheduled ferry service.
Children's area
Dog area
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Hypatia de Alejandría is fitted with lifts for moving between decks, access ramps and adapted spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. If you need special assistance — a wheelchair, help boarding or accessible accommodation — we recommend telling Baleària when you book so that everything can be properly arranged on board.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Hypatia de Alejandría you have Baleària's SmartB platform, the most complete digital system in the fleet:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp that uses none of your data allowance
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone
- Digital magazines through the entertainment platform
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Digital boarding card with online seat or cabin allocation
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Hypatia de Alejandría
Which routes does the Hypatia de Alejandría ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Ibiza and Valencia–Ibiza routes for Baleària. Depending on the season she may also cover the Ibiza–Mallorca (Palma) route or other links within the Balearic network.
How long does the Hypatia de Alejandría take from Barcelona to Ibiza?
Roughly 9 hours. It is an overnight crossing: the ship usually leaves Barcelona at around 21:00 and reaches Ibiza first thing in the morning, leaving you a full day at your destination.
How long does the ferry from Valencia to Ibiza take?
Roughly 5 hours. This too is an overnight crossing, getting you into Ibiza from Valencia first thing in the morning.
Does the Hypatia de Alejandría carry cars?
Yes. She has a vehicle deck for roughly 600 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Hypatia de Alejandría offer?
Five types: reclining seat (standard), Club Lounge (premium seats with exclusive access), inside cabin (private, with berths and a bathroom), outside cabin (with a window or porthole onto the sea) and suite (double bed, sitting area and Club access).
Is there free WiFi on the Hypatia de Alejandría?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform includes free WiFi, free WhatsApp that uses none of your data, on-demand series and films, digital newspapers with PressReader and a digital boarding card.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a valid certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Hypatia de Alejandría?
Yes. She has a dedicated pet area. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Check the conditions on weight and type of animal directly with Baleària before you travel.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks, access ramps and adapted spaces. If you need special assistance, tell Baleària when you book so that everything can be properly arranged on board.
Is there a spa on the Hypatia de Alejandría?
Yes. She is one of the very few scheduled ferries in Spain with a spa on board, including a sauna and a relaxation area. Available for an additional charge and subject to availability.
How much does it cost to travel on the Hypatia de Alejandría?
A standard seat starts at roughly €40 on Valencia–Ibiza and from €60 on Barcelona–Ibiza in low season. In July and August prices can top €150. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 60 minutes is enough. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time, particularly at the port of Barcelona.
Why is she called the Hypatia de Alejandría?
She is named after Hypatia of Alexandria (c. AD 360–415), the Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer regarded as the first woman mathematician in recorded history. With her, Baleària continues its tradition of naming its large ferries after the women scientists and thinkers who have shaped human history.
